The Tale of the Fountain of Life: The Journal of Bucky Thomas and Lily Klin

The Tale of the Fountain of Life

The Journal of Bucky Thomas and Lily Klin

SOME SECRETS SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT BEHIND.

It all begins in an old Victorian house, where best friends Bucky Thomas and Lily Klin are determined to settle a disagreement. Lily is convinced a mystical creature exists, while Bucky is equally certain it does not. Hidden in an upstairs closet, their search for the extraordinary takes an unexpected turn when they discover a secret door leading to an old journal filled with mysterious clues to the legendary Fountain of Life.

But the journal is no ordinary book, and the two friends are not the only ones interested in its secrets. A mysterious man named Silas is connected to the journal and knows more about its history than he initially reveals. As Lily grows increasingly fascinated by the mystery, Bucky struggles to decide whether to trust Silas.

What begins as a simple disagreement soon becomes an extraordinary adventure.

Joined by Lily's cousin Catori, who is more like a sister, and Catori's fiancé, Lennon, the four young adventurers embark on a journey across the American landscape. From small towns and forgotten places to breathtaking natural landmarks, each clue brings them closer to uncovering the truth behind a legend that has fascinated generations.

Along the way, they discover that the journal holds more than directions to a mysterious fountain. It tells a story of love, sacrifice, determination, and a search for something that could change humanity forever.

But not everyone wants the Fountain of Life to be found.

A powerful organization known as C.R.I.S.P., the Cancer Research Institutional Study Program, keeps the fountain's existence a secret for its own reasons. With billions of dollars in research funding at stake, the organization is determined to keep the journal and its extraordinary discoveries out of the wrong hands.

As the friends follow one mysterious clue after another, they find themselves caught in a dangerous race against an organization willing to do whatever it takes to protect its interests.

With danger closing in, friendships tested, and trust growing harder to earn, Bucky, Lily, Catori, and Lennon must rely on their courage, intelligence, and each other to survive.

But the greatest mystery may not be where the Fountain of Life is hidden. It may be what they will do if they actually find it.

The Tale of the Fountain of Life: The Journal of Bucky Thomas and Lily Klin is a young adult mystery adventure filled with suspense, friendship, unexpected discoveries, and the enduring belief that some legends may hold more truth than anyone ever imagined.

It is a story about uncovering the past, questioning what we believe, and learning that even in a world filled with uncertainty, hope, friendship, and courage can make a difference.

Written by Jeff Crise, Amanda Busch, and Wolf Pendragon

Jeff Crise is an author, educator, radio personality, and lifelong storyteller who believes that imagination, curiosity, and a little adventure can take us to extraordinary places.Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Jeff has spent much of his life working in public service, education, community engagement, and leadership. He holds an associate degree in Sociology from Des Moines Area Community College; a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Simpson College; a master's degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Mercy University; and a master's degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa.Throughout his career, Jeff has worn many hats, including criminal justice instructor, safety and security supervisor, community engagement professional, and radio host. His diverse experiences, combined with his fascination with human behavior, mysteries, and the unexpected, have helped shape his approach to storytelling.Jeff co-authored The Tale of the Fountain of Life: The Journal of Bucky Thomas and Lily Klin, a young adult adventure that explores friendship, courage, trust, and the pursuit of life's greatest mysteries. Alongside his fellow authors, Amanda Busch and Wolf Pendragon, Jeff hopes to inspire readers to embrace their curiosity, challenge the impossible, and discover that life's greatest adventures often begin when we least expect them.In addition to young adult fiction, Jeff enjoys writing children's stories, exploring new creative projects, and sharing his love of music through radio.Above all, Jeff believes that every great story begins with a simple question: "What if?"And sometimes, the answers lead us on the adventure of a lifetime.

Amanda Busch is an author, mother, and lifelong learner who believes imagination, curiosity, and storytelling can inspire readers of all ages.Amanda holds two master's degrees in Criminal Justice and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Her educational background reflects her dedication to learning, critical thinking, and understanding the complexities of human behavior. These interests bring a unique perspective to her creative writing, especially in character development, mystery, and stories filled with adventure and unexpected discoveries.As a co-author of The Tale of the Fountain of Life: The Journal of Bucky Thomas and Lily Klin, Amanda joins her father, Jeff Crise, and fellow author Wolf Pendragon in bringing an imaginative young adult adventure to life. Together, they explore friendship, courage, loyalty, and perseverance while reminding readers that some of life's greatest discoveries begin with a little curiosity and a willingness to believe in the extraordinary.Beyond her academic and creative accomplishments, Amanda's most cherished role is being a mother to her daughter. Motherhood has given her an even greater appreciation for imagination, childhood wonder, and the importance of encouraging young minds to dream big and explore the world around them.Through her writing, Amanda hopes to inspire readers to embrace life's mysteries, believe in themselves, and recognize that even the most ordinary moments can lead to extraordinary adventures.For Amanda, storytelling is more than putting words on a page. It is a chance to create lasting memories, share imagination across generations, and remind readers that every great adventure begins with the courage to explore the unknown.

Joshua "Josh" Crise, who writes under the pen name Wolf Pendragon, is an author, creative collaborator, and storyteller who believes that imagination, curiosity, and a passion for adventure can bring even the most extraordinary stories to life.Josh holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice from Mount Mercy University and a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Simpson College. His education has strengthened his analytical thinking, attention to detail, and appreciation for the complexities of human behavior, all of which shape his approach to storytelling.As a co-author of The Tale of the Fountain of Life: The Journal of Bucky Thomas and Lily Klin, Josh joins his father, Jeff Crise, and sister, Amanda Busch, in creating an imaginative young adult adventure filled with mystery, friendship, unexpected discoveries, and the pursuit of the extraordinary.Josh's creative partnership with his father extends beyond writing. The two also worked together on Jeff's radio program, The School of Classic Rock with Professor Jeff, where Josh served as the show's editor, helping shape and polish its content. Their shared interest in entertainment, storytelling, and creative expression has given them opportunities to bring their ideas to life through different media.For Josh, writing offers an opportunity to explore new worlds, develop memorable characters, and create stories that encourage readers to question what they know and imagine what might be possible.Through his work, Josh hopes to inspire readers to embrace curiosity, appreciate the importance of family and friendship, and recognize that life's greatest adventures often begin with a single unexpected discovery.For Josh, the best stories are not simply written. They are imagined, shared, and brought to life together.